Variable-Stiffness Powertrain Vibration Absorber for HEV Mode Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle powertrain components with cylinder deactivation technologies emit varying frequencies of vibration depending on operating conditions, making traditional vibration absorbers less effective across different modes of operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle powertrain vibration absorber assembly comprising a rotary device, a drive-ratio assembly, and a variable stiffness spring, where the spring is connected to a non-rotating component of the drive-ratio assembly and a grounded component, with a controller managing the stiffness extent based on vibration frequencies to absorb different frequencies of vibration effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vibration absorber is designed for a specific frequency, then it effectively absorbs that particular frequency, but it becomes less effective when the powertrain operates in different modes with different vibration frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable stiffness spring mechanism that can dynamically adjust its stiffness characteristic based on the operating mode. The spring stiffness is varied to match different vibration frequencies when cylinders are deactivated, allowing the vibration absorber to maintain effectiveness across multiple operating conditions rather than being fixed for a single frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stiffness parameter of the spring according to the operating mode. When cylinders are deactivated, the system changes the spring stiffness parameter to resonate at the new vibration frequency, thereby maintaining optimal vibration absorption performance across different operating conditions
2Ease of manufacture
If a vibration absorber is designed to be simple and fixed, then it is easier to manufacture and operate, but it cannot adapt to varying vibration frequencies across different engine operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a variable stiffness spring mechanism that can dynamically adjust its properties without requiring complete redesign for each operating mode. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through mechanical or controlled means that modify the spring characteristics in response to operating conditions, balancing manufacturing feasibility with adaptive performance
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration absorber is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple operating modes within a single device. The variable stiffness spring allows the same absorber to effectively damp vibrations across different frequencies generated by various cylinder activation patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized absorbers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly effectively absorbs various frequencies of vibration emitted by the vehicle engine across different operating modes, enhancing vibration absorption efficiency and providing semi-active vibration control.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle powertrain variable vibration absorber assembly absorbs different frequencies of vibration brought about by a vehicle engine amid different operating modes of the vehicle engine
Implementation Method 2
the spring is a variable stiffness spring that is connected to the drive-ratio assembly at one end of the variable stiffness spring, and that is connected to the grounded component at another end of the variable stiffness spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle powertrain variable vibration absorber assembly can be equipped in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The vehicle powertrain variable vibration absorber assembly includes a rotary device, a drive-ratio assembly, and a spring. The rotary device, in an example, is a motor-generator unit (MGU). The drive-ratio assembly, in an example, is a planetary gear assembly. The drive-ratio assembly receives rotational drive input from the rotary device, and transmits rotational drive output to a powertrain component. The spring, in an example, is a variable stiffness spring. The spring is connected to the drive-ratio assembly and is connected to a grounded component. During use, the vehicle powertrain variable vibration absorber assembly absorbs different frequencies of vibration brought about by a vehicle engine amid different operating modes. The operating modes can involve cylinder deactivation technologies.